Pope Benedict XVI holds final audience before retirement

More than 150,000 faithful descended on the Vatican to bid the church leader goodbye

February 27, 2013 9:57 AM

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Pope Benedict XVI walks to the altar as he arrives on St Peter's square for his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS less

Pope Benedict XVI walks to the altar as he arrives on St Peter's square for his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Pope Benedict XVI walks to the altar as he arrives on St... Photo-4256415.57512 - NewsTimes

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Pope Benedict XVI waves from the altar as he arrives on St Peter's square for his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS less

Pope Benedict XVI waves from the altar as he arrives on St Peter's square for his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Pope Benedict XVI waves from the altar as he arrives on St... Photo-4256414.57512 - NewsTimes

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Thousands gather in St Peter's Square as Pope Benedict XVI attends his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Thousands gather in St Peter's Square as Pope Benedict XVI attends his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his ... more

Faithful waves flags from Bavaria during Pope Benedict XVI's last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE less

Faithful waves flags from Bavaria during Pope Benedict XVI's last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St ... more

Faithful attend Pope Benedict XVI's last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS less

Faithful attend Pope Benedict XVI's last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on ... more

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in his papamobile at the end of his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS less

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in his papamobile at the end of his last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at St Peter's square at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in his papamobile at the end of his last... Photo-4256419.57512 - NewsTimes

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful from the Popemobile as he arrives in St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful from the Popemobile as he arrives in St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: The faithful fill St Peter's Square as Pope Benedict XVI attends his last public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: The faithful fill St Peter's Square as Pope Benedict XVI attends his last public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A holds her crucifix as she attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A holds her crucifix as she attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The ... more

A poster showing Pope Benedict XVI portrait is hanged in front of St. Anthony of Padua Church reading "Thank you holy father" on February 27, 2013 in Istanbul. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO/BULENT KILIC less

A poster showing Pope Benedict XVI portrait is hanged in front of St. Anthony of Padua Church reading "Thank you holy father" on February 27, 2013 in Istanbul. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his ... more

Faithful looks at ST Peter's basilica through binoculars on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS less

Faithful looks at ST Peter's basilica through binoculars on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience ... more

A nun holds a placard on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE less

A nun holds a placard on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's ... more

Faithful wave flags on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS less

Faithful wave flags on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's ... more

US Cardinal Bernard Francis Law (2D-R) arrives with other cardinals on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last audience of his pontificate in St Peter's Square on Wednesday on the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI less

US Cardinal Bernard Francis Law (2D-R) arrives with other cardinals on St Peter's square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI last weekly audience on February 27, 2013 at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will hold the last ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

US Cardinal Bernard Francis Law (2D-R) arrives with other cardinals... Photo-4256412.57512 - NewsTimes

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A Swiss Guard stands in St Peter's Square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff will hold his last weekly public audience later before he abdicates tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A Swiss Guard stands in St Peter's Square ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image is a cropped version of image #162790962) Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as he arrives in St Peter's Square for his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image is a cropped version of image #162790962) Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as he arrives in St Peter's Square for his final general audience on ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in the Popemobile at St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements.. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in the Popemobile at St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI (R) flanked by his personal secretary Georg Ganswein, attends his final general audience in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI (R) flanked by his personal secretary Georg Ganswein, attends his final general audience in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Squareduring his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Squareduring his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: General view as Pope Benedict XVI attends his final general audience in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: General view as Pope Benedict XVI attends his final general audience in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A cardinal arrives in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A cardinal arrives in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A cardinal arrives in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A cardinal arrives in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns wait in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns wait in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: An archbishop speaks on a mobile phone in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: An archbishop speaks on a mobile phone in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Men observe St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Men observe St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the clergy congregate in front of St Peter's Basilica after Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the clergy congregate in front of St Peter's Basilica after Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The ... more

Photo: Oli Scarff, Getty Images

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the clergy... Photo-4256405.57512 - NewsTimes

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the clergy congregate in front of St Peter's Basilica after Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the clergy congregate in front of St Peter's Basilica after Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The ... more

Photo: Oli Scarff, Getty Images

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the clergy... Photo-4256406.57512 - NewsTimes

Image 31 of 47

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns, run to St Peter's Square to get prime position for Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns, run to St Peter's Square to get prime position for Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI disembarks the Popemobile in St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI disembarks the Popemobile in St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Nuns attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Faithful hold a Mexican flag as they attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Faithful hold a Mexican flag as they attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI attends his final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI attends his final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A pilgrim shows her emotions as she attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A pilgrim shows her emotions as she attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pilgrims attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pilgrims attend Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A Brazillian monk waves a flag as he attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A Brazillian monk waves a flag as he attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI addresses the crowd in St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI addresses the crowd in St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A band in traditional costume prepare to play in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: A band in traditional costume prepare to play in St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the Swiss Guard patrol St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the Swiss Guard patrol St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: An pilgrim holds up a flag declaring 'Renew The Holy Spirit' as he attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has held his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: An pilgrim holds up a flag declaring 'Renew The Holy Spirit' as he attends Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience in St Peter's Square before his retirement on February ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI travels in the Popemobile through St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI travels in the Popemobile through St Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the Swiss Guard patrol St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Members of the Swiss Guard patrol St Peter's Square before Pope Benedict XVI's final weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff has ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 26: The sun sets behind St Peter's Basilica on February 26, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff will hold his last weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 before he retires the following day. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 26: The sun sets behind St Peter's Basilica on February 26, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff will hold his last weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 before he ... more

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 26: The sun sets behind St Peter's Basilica on February 26, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff will hold his last weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 before he retires the following day. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. less

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 26: The sun sets behind St Peter's Basilica on February 26, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff will hold his last weekly public audience on February 27, 2013 before he ... more